BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Gym classes likely don’t undergo significant changes over time. However, a recent initiative from the Game and Fish Department is introducing a fresh and popular activity. At the core of the National Archery in the Schools Program lies the classroom, where approximately 16,000 students annually are honing their aim in gymnasiums […]
BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – Gym classes likely don’t undergo significant changes over time.
However, a recent initiative from the Game and Fish Department is introducing a fresh and popular activity.
At the core of the National Archery in the Schools Program lies the classroom, where approximately 16,000 students annually are honing their aim in gymnasiums across North Dakota. Grants provided through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department are instrumental in this effort.
“The NASP grant amount ranges from $750 to $1,000, depending on the specific needs of the school for the equipment purchase. For larger schools requiring more gear, it could even exceed that,” explained Jeff Long, North Dakota Game and Fish Education Coordinator. “The Game and Fish grant contributes 50% towards initial costs, which average around $3,500 for the complete kit.”
For educators in North Dakota, applying for a NASP grant is a straightforward process.
“Reach out to me via email or phone. We’ll complete the necessary paperwork, enroll you in training, and obtain your administration’s approval,” Long stated. “Once everything is finalized, we order the equipment and have it delivered to your school.”
Currently, about 215 schools in North Dakota are involved in the NASP program, with educator Kelsy Achtenberg from The Innovation School in Bismarck initiating the program six years ago.
“I had never tried archery before and never thought I would. Then I learned about the grant and decided to give it a shot. Initially, I was awful. It was really bad,” Achtenberg recounted. “This experience has been fantastic in teaching our students that improvement takes time and practice. The process was seamless; I went through the training and then we received the equipment.”
Since the NASP program was launched at The Innovation School, the students have made significant progress.
“Observing their determination and the confidence they’ve built has been rewarding. We recently conducted a survey to see who wanted to keep participating, and they all expressed how enjoyable and accessible it is,” Achtenberg shared. “The best part is that it’s an activity anyone can engage in, and it’s a sport they can enjoy for life.”
For further details on the National Archery in the Schools program, visit the Game and Fish website or contact Jeff Long at (701) 328-6322.
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